Precision anatomy for minimally invasive spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy in children: A case report of solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm in a 12-year-old girl

INTRODUCTION: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) is a rare and low malignant tumor found mainly in young females. There is no standardized procedure for SPN of the pancreatic body and tail in children. In adults, an international consensus on precision anatomy for minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP) was established recently (PAM-HBP Surgery Project). The aim of this study is to demonstrate that precision anatomy can also be safely and effectively implemented in the pediatric population. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 12-year-old girl with an incidentally found SPN located in the pancreatic tail was referred to our hospital. She successfully underwent an R0 resection by laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) under the concept of precision anatomy. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on day 7. DISCUSSION: This is the first successful report of LSPDP under the concept of precision anatomy in children. In accordance with the recommendations from the international consensus, the “anterior approach” was selected to dissect and encircle the splenic artery based on the vascular anatomy identified by preoperative imaging. The dorsal dissection border of the pancreas along the anterior layer above the Gerota's fascia was carefully maintained and the splenic vessels were preserved taking into consideration the low malignant potential of SPN and to decrease the risk of complications associated with splenectomy, which were also the essential issues of the consensus. CONCLUSION: The implementation of precision anatomy for pediatric pancreas surgery should facilitate the safe diffusion of MIDP for SPN and other benign or low-malignant tumors in children.